URGENT – Schumer preparing $8.5 billion request for emergency coronavirus funding, source says

(CNN) — Senate Democrats are preparing to request $8. 5 billion to combat the coronavirus, a senior Senate Democratic aide told CNN Wednesday, setting up a spending showdown in Congress where lawmakers are grappling with how to help contain the disease. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, is expected to formally request the funding Wednesday.